New Delhi, July 10 -- NAHA - On Friday morning, residents of Miyakojima and Ishigaki Island were watching weather alerts that they had seen before in a season that has already produced two significant typhoons. This time, meteorologists were using language they reserve for the most dangerous conditions. The word "violent" appeared in the official guidance. The Japan Meteorological Agency said that maximum instantaneous gusts near the storm's center could reach 70 meters per second - the kind of wind speed that explains why forecasters also said it was capable of toppling houses.

Typhoon Bavi, designated Typhoon No. 9 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, was tracking northwest at 20 kilometers per hour early Friday, positioned over waters ...